Update
You now need an appointment for the Eye Casualty clinic. It is no longer a walk-in service except for sight threatening emergencies.
If you arrive at Eye Casualty without an appointment, you will be advised to see either your local optician (optometrist) or a GP for assessment.
If you are already attending an eye clinic and have an issue with your condition, you should contact your consultant’s secretary on 028 9615 1944 between 9am and 5pm, Monday to Friday.
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Adults and children aged over five
If you or your child aged five years or older has a problem with your eyes, you should visit your local optician (optometrist).
Many opticians now provide a Primary Eye care Assessment and Referral Service (NIPEARS).
If your eye problem needs treated by an eye doctor (ophthalmologist), your optician can refer you to your local hospital. Nearly all NIPEARS appointments are available free of charge.
If your optician is closed, please contact the GP out of hours for advice. A GP can also refer you to your local hospital if necessary.
If you have an eye injury that requires emergency treatment, please go to the nearest Emergency Department (ED).
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Children aged under five
Children aged under five who have an eye problem should be taken to:
- their GP during working hours
- the GP out of hours if their GP surgery is closed
- an Emergency Department if the eye problem needs urgent treatment
If your child is already attending a children’s eye clinic and you have an issue with their condition, you should contact their consultant.
What the service does
If you have an eye problem that needs urgent treatment, you may be referred to Eye Casualty at the Royal Victoria Hospital. Eye Casualty has changed due to Covid-19, but still cares for patients with serious eye conditions.
Your Eye Casualty appointment
Please arrive at your Eye Casualty appointment on time. You will be given an appointment time by your optician or GP. After you get booked in at the clinic reception, you will be assessed by a nurse.
We recommend that you do not drive to Eye Casualty. You may need to get eye drops during your appointment. This can help diagnose and treat your condition, but it may also affect your vision for a few hours.
Emergency eye conditions can vary a lot and some patients will have complicated issues. We will make every effort to see you on time, but circumstances beyond our control may mean you need to wait. You can expect to be in the clinic for up to three hours if you need additional tests.
How to access the service
You can be referred to Eye Casualty by:
- NIPEARS optician
- eye doctor (ophthalmologist)
- GP
- Emergency Department
Location and contact number
Eye Casualty is located on the Victorian Corridor of the Royal Victoria Hospital.
You can access the Victorian Corridor from the main corridor on the first floor of the main Royal Victoria Hospital building. Eye Casualty is clearly marked with yellow signs.
The Ophthalmology General Enquiry Line is: 028 9615 1944. Select option 3 for Eye Casualty (it may say Eye Emergency Referral Clinic in the options but this is the right option for Eye Casualty).
Useful links
NHS information on looking after your eyes
Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB)
Macular Society